WASHINGTON D.C May 3, 2026 – President Donald Trump said Saturday the United States will slash its military presence in Germany far more than the 5,000 troops the Pentagon announced just one day earlier, offering no strategic explanation when pressed by reporters.
The comment came in response to a direct question about the withdrawal.
Reporter: “Why is the U.S. removing troops from Germany?”
Trump: “We’re going to cut way down and we’re cutting a lot further than 5,000. Thank you very much.”
The Pentagon disclosed the initial pullout of approximately 5,000 troops late Friday, with the redeployment to the United States and other overseas posts expected to take six to 12 months. Germany currently hosts roughly 35,000 to 40,000 U.S. service members — Washington’s second-largest overseas deployment after Japan.
Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell described the move as the result of “a thorough review of the Department’s force posture in Europe and in recognition of theater requirements and conditions on the ground.” Officials have provided few details on which units or operations will be affected.
The timing of the announcement follows a sharp public feud between Trump and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Merz, speaking earlier this week, criticized the Trump administration’s handling of the ongoing U.S.-Israeli military campaign against Iran, saying Iran had “humiliated” the United States and questioning the lack of an exit strategy. Trump responded angrily on Truth Social, telling Merz to focus on Germany’s own problems — including the Russia-Ukraine war — and stay out of U.S. decisions on Iran.
NATO is now assessing the impact of the withdrawal on alliance posture. Germany’s Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has sought to downplay the immediate effects, while local officials near bases such as Ramstein have expressed concern over the economic and security implications for the region.
The decision has drawn criticism from some Republican lawmakers and European allies, who worry it could weaken NATO’s deterrence in Europe at a time of heightened global tensions. Trump has long criticized the size of America’s troop presence in Germany and other NATO countries, arguing they do not pay enough for their own defense.
Further details on the scope of the additional cuts Trump referenced Saturday have not yet been released by the White House or Pentagon.
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Big mistake wasn’t planned out at all